Posted on 04/27/2006 6:44:38 AM PDT by chris_in_nj
Fellow FReepers,
As the son of Joe Driscoll, passenger on Flight 93, I was invited to opening of the Tribeca Film Festival to view United 93.
Unless you are 110% sure you can't take watching this movie - you have got to see this film. Universal Studios and Paul Greengrass absolutely nailed it.
Even though the ending is no surprise this movie is gripping and powerful. There is no political statement - and by no means is this a politically correct tribute. It is rough, true and stark.
Almost no one in the film is mentioned by name and nor are there any A-list stars, just average Americans...it truly represents "THE 40" that come together as one to say "we will not let this happen".
The military air space commanders, air traffic controllers, etc...many of whom played themselves in the film add a tremendous amount of reality. It was absolutely fascinating to see the inner workings of those command centers on that day. And to try and figure out which handful of planes, out of 4,200 in the sky at the time, were hijacked...you will walk away with a whole new appreciation for the monumental task that these men and women had on the ground to control the skies.
And for the monumental task that THE 40 had in the plane - it was superb. The cinematography and score was magnificent.
The film left me emotionally exhausted. At times I wanted to cheer my father and his fellow passengers on and at the end it I sat in stunned silence. The chaotic and noisy climax comes to an abrupt end and you are left sitting in a silent and dark theater. At that time there were family members all around me who simply lost it - with cries and tears piercing the dark room as the credits began to roll across a black screen.
Beaming with pride but wrought with heartache I walked out of the theater with my brother onto the streets of Manhattan, trying seemingly in vain to digest what I just witnessed. It was a fruitless effort as I think it will simply take time, a long time.
This film is not here "too soon", that is a ridiculous notion. Now, I totally respect an individual not wanting to see this film - that is understandable. But many in this country are ready. We need to be ready. We need a fresh reminder of that day as it is painfully obvious that many - even here in NYC - have lost their raw emotion and anger from that day....and that is a tragedy in itself.
I hope you all try and see this movie. The good folks here at this site understand the nature and insatiable evil of our enemy. This film captures that in no uncertain terms.
Again, kudos to Paul Greengrass and Universal Studios.
Chris
The R rating is probably due to language and violence. Whent Mickey Rothenberg(first to get stabbed) gets attacked, and then the pilots and then the flight attendent - it is a violent scene. Like I said, this is not a whitewashed version...it is a rough one to watch.
There is some cursing as well - most notably in the chaotic moments at the air traffic control towers and command centers.
Chris
Link to another excellent article about last night's premier.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1622371/posts
United 93 The filmmakers got it right. [by Todd Beamer's father]
Opinion Journal ^ | April27, 2006 | BY DAVID BEAMER
&&&&
Thanks for posting your feelings and observations. It must have been like leaving a memorial service at the end of the film. I hope every American and huge numbers around the world will see this film. It will show the true strength of America - her people.
Bless you for sharing here on FR.
Title: United 93 (2006)
Rating: R
Rating Reason: Rated R for language, and some intense sequences of terror and violence.
Distributor: Universal Studios
Alternate Titles: Flight 93
Title: Flight 93 (2006)
Rating: PG-13
Rating Reason: Rated PG-13 for some violence and emotional depiction of the hijack situation.
Distributor: MTI Home Video
Makes sense to me.
I'm not sure I want to see this film, for the same reasons. I think I have a good enough idea of what occurred, and prefer much lighter fare.
See post #22.
The movie does sound amazing. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
I think it depends on how your 13 year old can take violence. Also - there is some cursing. But it is not egregious as if it is violence and cursing just for the sake of having them.
In the context of the film it is entirely appropriate - and perhaps even important - as it portrays reality.
If your child is very sensitive - I'd say wait. If he/she can take some violence then yes I think you can take a 13 year old. Its really your call.
Hope this helped,
Chris
I think it depends on how your 13 year old can take violence. Also - there is some cursing. But it is not egregious as if it is violence and cursing just for the sake of having them.
In the context of the film it is entirely appropriate - and perhaps even important - as it portrays reality.
If your child is very sensitive - I'd say wait. If he/she can take some violence then yes I think you can take a 13 year old. Its really your call.
Hope this helped,
Chris
God Bless you and your brave father.
I'm so sorry that you lost your father on United 93. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt emotions while viewing United 93. It is definitely not too soon to have their story graphically told. The country seems to have lost it's way in the war on terror. Too many, including politicians, want to gloss over the truth and hide the danger. Not only is this movie a tribute to those who sacrificed themselves for the greater good on that horrific day, but it's a tribute to all the brave American heroes that have given their lives to protect us since this war began on 9/11.
Agree 100%!
And did any members of the MSM ever question if it was "too soon" for Farenheit 911? I wonder why not? (Ok, so I really don't wonder.)
Thanks Chris. So sorry for your loss. I will bite my lip, and see this because I will NOT forget their sacrifice.
we're going this weekend...thanks for your review and personal story. The passengers on this flight have never really been celebrated as the true heroes they were in my mind. It's not just that they gave their lives, but they actually were the first soldiers in the war on terror, thwarting the terrorists with genuine force of will. I hope this film is a beginning in the annals of the public memory.
Thanks Chris! Your stamp of approval is appreciated and I will be going to see the film!
Prayers to you & your family.
Thanks for sharing this. They were nothing less than 40 Patriots. God Bless them All.
appreciate the review.
your approval and sacrifice means alot.
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